This Chopped Champ Beat Cancer 6 Times, Lost 186 Pounds, and Found Power in Presence

Chef Eric LeVine is a Food Network Chopped champion, author, and industry veteran known for honesty and a relentless drive. After surviving cancer six times and transforming his life inside and out, he’s built a reputation for leading with truth, rejecting ego, and showing up with purpose.

Watch now to discover what happens when you strip away ego and live fully in the moment both in and out of the kitchen

Sponsored by:

• TOAST AllIn1 Restaurant POS

Chapters:

[05:03] - Losing 186 Pounds

[13:26] - Mental Clarity and Ego

[22:04] - Personal Growth Through Love

[27:02] - Creating Cookbooks

[37:32] - Restaurant Failures

SPONSORS:

RESTAURANT INFLUENCERS IS PRESENTED BY TOAST —

Restaurant Influencers is brought to you by Toast, the powerful restaurant point of sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience.

• Toast AllIn1 Restaurant POS

Episode Links:

Eric LeVine Website

Eric LeVine CookbookForkin GoodSimple. Easy. Fun

Eric LeVine Facebook

Eric LeVine Instagram

317 Main Street

The James Room

Key Takeaways:

Letting Go of Ego to Grow: Eric LeVine believes ego is the biggest barrier to growth. By removing it, he found clarity, honesty, and a new way to lead.

Living in the Moment: After years of chasing the next big thing, LeVine now finds power in presence. It was a mindset shift inspired by his wife and earned through hardship.

Turning Pain into Purpose: From cancer to burnout, LeVine’s setbacks didn’t define him. They became the foundation for a more intentional, authentic life.

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ABOUT ERIC LEVINE —

​Chef Eric LeVine, a Brooklyn native, discovered his passion for cooking early on, leading him to graduate from The Culinary Institute of America. He honed his skills under renowned chef David Burke at The River Café and later became Chef de Cuisine at New York's Marriott Marquis. LeVine's innovative approach has earned him accolades, including a James Beard Foundation nomination and the title of Food Network's ‘Chopped’ Champion in 2011. A six-time cancer survivor, he is also a dedicated advocate for the American Cancer Society and a mentor to aspiring chefs.

ABOUT RESTAURANT INFLUENCERS —

Restaurant Influencers is a weekly video podcast series presented by Entrepreneur Media and Cali BBQ Media. Every week host and restaurant owner Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) talks with business leaders like Shaquille O’Neal, Rob Dyrdek, Emeril Lagasse, Mayim Bialik, Jon Taffer, Robert Irvine, Toast co-founder Aman Narang, and more, about their secrets to Smartphone Storytelling, marketing, branding, and how to show up where customers are engaging online.

Published by Entrepreneur Media

Produced by Cali BBQ Media